Travels with a Donkey | Folio Illustrated Book Travels with a Donkey Robert Louis Stevenson Illustrated by Edward Ardizzone A charming account of Stevenson's adventure in the wilds of southern France, accompanied only by his stubborn but loveable donkey. Published price: US$ 37.95 ‘We are all travellers in what John Bunyan calls the wilderness of this world – all, too, travellers with a donkey; and the best that we find on our travels is an honest friend.’ One of the best-loved travel books of all time, Travels with a Donkey is an affectionate and amusing account of the author's 120-mile walk through the southern-French region of Cevennes. At the time, this was a semi-wilderness renowned for Protestant rebellions and savage wolves. Stevenson had suffered from ill-health for most of his life and at the time was struggling to survive on a meagre income derived from his writing, but he longed for adventure, and was determined to complete his journey, aided only by the stubborn, wily but lovable Modestine, his donkey.

In 1967 The Folio Society commissioned Edward Ardizzone to illustrate this enchanting book, which is now available for a new generation of members to enjoy. ‘The best of all trips’ NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW Production Details Rating: 5/5 "This story had a strange hold on me. Once I started reading, I would put it down because I did not want to finish it. I would read it at the end of my day, jsut a few pages at a time. Definately a fa..." [read more] "This story had a strange hold on me. Once I started reading, I would put it down because I did not want to finish it. I would read it at the end of my day, jsut a few pages at a time. Definately a favorite, though for what reason i cannot tell.... " [hide full review] People who viewed this book also viewed: Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes by Robert Louis Stevenson — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists Shelves: gutenberg This little book shares the adventures of Robert Louis Stevenson and his donkey Modestine during their journey through the Cevennes region of France.

RLS had no donkey-driving experience before this trip, and if I had endured his terrible first days in person, I would have run screaming into the forest never to return. But he persevered, and with the kindly help of a local peasant who made him a goad to encourage dear Modestine in her forward motion, the rest of the trip was not nearly so horrif This little book shares the adventures of Robert Louis Stevenson and his donkey Modestine during their journey through the Cevennes region of France. RLS had no donkey-driving experience before this trip, and if I had endured his terrible first days in person, I would have run screaming into the forest never to return. But he persevered, and with the kindly help of a local peasant who made him a goad to encourage dear Modestine in her forward motion, the rest of the trip was not nearly so horrific for any of us. I got mad at RLS once when after a few days of being out on the road, unloading and loading Modestine, a peasant points out to him the sores between her legs and under her tail. Sores which the peasant said came from being overloaded.

Now I understand a rookie donkey driver not comprehending things like balancing a load properly, but how can anyone not notice gallsores when they are tying straps and supposedly caring for the poor beast in their down time? But RLS definitely made up for that when he admitted to feeding Modestine her bread by hand, and he picked a lot of chestnut leaves for her one night, and even shed unashamed tears after he sold her at the end of his walk. RLS embraced every moment of his trip: sleeping under the stars at times (that was okay except for when he stayed under some chestnut trees one night and later learned that the noises he heard had been rats) and other times mixing with the locals at the village inn. He visited Le-Pont-de-Montvert 'of bloody memory'...and why was the memory bloody? It was the center of a rebellion by French Protestants against the Catholics of the time: this war was called the rebellion of the Camisards, for the linen shirts the Protestants wore. I don't remember quite so much detail about the religious history from the last time I read this book, but it was quite a few years ago and most likely I did not pay much attention to those sections.

I found them much more interesting this time around, especially since RLS seemed to feel that the people had learned to get along, live together, and respect each other even with their different religions. Wouldn't it be nice if the whole world today could do the same?! ...more Shelves: victorian , walks , 1870s Every book is, in an intimate sense, a circular letter to the friends of him who writes it. They alone take his meaning; they find private messages, assurances of love, and expressions of gratitude, dropped for them in every corner. The public is but a generous patron who defrays the postage. In the summer of 1878, Robert Louis Stevenson turned his back on Paris and headed south. His love affair with an American woman, several years his senior, had apparently failed. Too depressed to write, he de Every book is, in an intimate sense, a circular letter to the friends of him who writes it. They alone take his meaning; they find private messages, assurances of love, and expressions of gratitude, dropped for them in every corner. The public is but a generous patron who defrays the postage.

In the summer of 1878, Robert Louis Stevenson turned his back on Paris and headed south. His love affair with an American woman, several years his senior, had apparently failed. Too depressed to write, he decided to walk off his blues in some rugged country. In the foothill town of Monastier he bought a donkey, a diminutive mouse-colored beast he named Modestine, and in her reluctant company, he strolled off into the high pastures of the Cévennes. The result of these adventures, the aptly named Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes (1879), is a private love letter to the women who had left him and a public observance of nature’s beauty, all interlaced with a light history of politics and faith in the region. Stevenson, nearing thirty, had already traveled considerably throughout Europe, but a sustained overland journey on foot was something new to him. He undertook this twelve-day ramble to settle his heart and his thoughts. "For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake.

The great affair is to move; to feel the needs and hitches of our life more nearly; to come down off this featherbed of civilisation, and find the globe granite underfoot and strewn with cutting flints.... To hold a pack upon a pack-saddle against a gale out of the freezing north is no high industry, but it is one that serves to occupy and compose the mind.” He must have appeared odd. A priest and his acolytes inspecting a church laughed out loud as the tramp and his donkey passed by. Their two shadows were comically deformed, his with a knapsack, hers with an enormous sleeping bag stuffed with a leg of cold mutton, a bottle of Beaujolais, an egg-beater (for eggnog, Stevenson's favorite drink), bread both black and white, changes of clothing, a coat, blanket, books, and a “permanent larder” of chocolate and tinned Bologna sausage. Some villagers refused to guide him, a little girl stuck out her tongue, and all the while Modestine behaved, predictably, like an ass. But most of the people he met were kind and helpful, and the September countryside was in its autumn beauty.

Even the nights spent camped along the road were magical: “Night is a dead monotonous period under a roof; but in the open world it passes lightly, with its stars and dews and perfumes, and the hours are marked by changes in the face of Nature.” The next morning, giddy with beauty that surrounded him, he scattered money on the turf to pay for his night’s “lodging.” Can he escape the memories of the woman he loves? No. Everything reminds him of Fanny, with whom he lived in Paris. Even in the wild mountains of Gévaudan his thoughts run back to her: “And to live out of doors with the woman a man loves is of all lives the most complete and free.... Love is the great amulet which makes the world a garden.” What did Fanny make of the book? That’s unclear. But Stevenson, fortified by the profit earned by the sale of the manuscript, followed her across an ocean and a continent, and eventually won her lasting love. Until now I had never rightly understood Borges’ fascination with Stevenson’s prose. But after reading Travels with a Donkey, I have to admit I was charmed by Stevenson’s breezy style and modest tone ...

even when I was a little disturbed by how closely Stevenson’s difficult dealings with Modestine reflected his trying relationship with Fanny. Travels with a Donkey set the model for some of the excellent British travel writers that soon would follow. It’s hard not to hear Stevenson’s cheerful, self-deprecating voice carried over into Jerome K. Jerome’s Three Men in a Boat or Eric Newby’s A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush. In fact, I was so enchanted by this short book, I read it twice in as many days. ...more Shelves: history Despite the advice and concerns of his wife and the friend dragged along on his last travel book, Stevenson decides to hike through rural France. A couple days of hiking lead to the idea that he should buy a donkey to carry his baggage and everything will go smoothly. Funny and entertaining, as Stevenson, who loves travel, but is a complete amateur stumbles through his travels. Gives us a look at the way the world was then, as he trudges through small villages and visits a monastery. Plus, you real Despite the advice and concerns of his wife and the friend dragged along on his last travel book, Stevenson decides to hike through rural France.

A couple days of hiking lead to the idea that he should buy a donkey to carry his baggage and everything will go smoothly. Funny and entertaining, as Stevenson, who loves travel, but is a complete amateur stumbles through his travels. Gives us a look at the way the world was then, as he trudges through small villages and visits a monastery. Plus, you realize just hiking through the French countryside in an era before cars, cell phones, electric lights or even handy paperback travel books is quite an adventure. The chapter where he and the donkey get lost and try to reach their destination after dark is quite intense and a bit scary, despite the fact that a mere couple miles separates the two places he's traveling between. In the woods, at night, he might as well be lost in the jungle. Interesting book, but he has a tendency to write about places like everyone will know where he's talking about and it left me a bit lost in spots, until he mentioned a place name I did recognize. Shelves: history , biography Funny and entertaining, “Travels with a Donkey in The Cevennes” is an interesting travel book. A vast departure from Robert Louis Stevenson’s more well know work.

After reading this book it felt like the time frame was longer than it was I think due to the overall descriptions of Protestant suppression in the region, there was a good deal of time devoted to it. I found the experience travelling with Stevenson during those days in the late 19th Century enlightening and highly entertaining. The il Funny and entertaining, “Travels with a Donkey in The Cevennes” is an interesting travel book. A vast departure from Robert Louis Stevenson’s more well know work. After reading this book it felt like the time frame was longer than it was I think due to the overall descriptions of Protestant suppression in the region, there was a good deal of time devoted to it. I found the experience travelling with Stevenson during those days in the late 19th Century enlightening and highly entertaining. The illustrations by Ardizzone worked very well for me and did a good job of deepening the experience with this book.

Apr 09, 2013 Greg Deane rated it really liked it Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Travels with a Donkey in The Cevennes” is an interesting departure from his swashbuckling pirate stories or his examination of good and evil in “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” , being a short autobiographical work set in 1878 when he went on a twelve day, 120 mile hike while in his youth, in southern France. To carry his luggage he bought a donkey which he called Modestine. As Modestine proved mulish, Stevenson gradually exchanged his humane principles for the stick, which he t Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Travels with a Donkey in The Cevennes” is an interesting departure from his swashbuckling pirate stories or his examination of good and evil in “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” , being a short autobiographical work set in 1878 when he went on a twelve day, 120 mile hike while in his youth, in southern France. To carry his luggage he bought a donkey which he called Modestine.

As Modestine proved mulish, Stevenson gradually exchanged his humane principles for the stick, which he then made crueller by sharpening it into a goad. Stevenson was prepared for brigands as well as difficult terrain, loading the donkey with a sleeping bag made up from green waterproof cart-cloth, with a lining of sheep-skin. He took a revolver, a spirit lamp, a lantern and candles, a jack-knife and a large leather flask, and comforts that included books, a railway rug and bottles of Beaujolais and brandy. Modestine became central to his sojourn in The Cevennes where the small villages along the way provided him with little other company, Modestine proving less objectionable than some of the guests with whom he was sometimes required to share a room and even a bed. On one occasion he recalls that, “The sleeping-room was furnished with two beds. I had one; and I will own I was a little abashed to find a young man and his wife and child in the act of mounting into the other.” What he meant by “mounting” is emblematic of Stevenson’s oblique humour.

The modern reader might be taken aback by Stevenson’s indignant response when knocked on doors at night in order to find hospitality but was, on occasion, refused. The local population were often unfriendly and even amused when he sought directions after finding himself lost. Still, he found pleasure in his journey, despite the querulous donkey and the unwelcoming peasantry, a pleasure that remains open to walkers today. He relished many moments on the rough mountain tracks, remembering one particular night when “the moon had been shining for a long while upon the opposite mountain; when on turning a corner my donkey and I issued ourselves into her light. I had emptied out my brandy at Florac, for I could bear the stuff no longer, and replaced it with some generous and scented Volnay; and now I drank to the moon’s sacred majesty upon the road.” Not only did he develop a taste for the local vintage. He also visited a Trappist monastery where he overcame some of his Protestant wariness of Catholic institutions, and found himself overcoming some of his own predispositions towards the French peasantry, and even became more understanding of Modestine’s character, and less resentful of it.

In all, the short memoir informs the reader of an obscure part of France, and also demonstrates how a solitary journey can also be a journey of self-discovery and redemption. ...more Sep 07, 2011 Vic Heaney rated it really liked it Recommends it for: Anyone who likes reading about travel, adventure, good writing We all know RLS from childhood days, especially the classic “Treasure Island”. We spend several months each year in New Zealand and have seen several documentaries about his later life in the South Sea Islands. Living in the French Pyrenees we havealso become aware of his”Travels with a Donkey”, especially as we have friends who have followed his trail, which seems to be a bit of a tourist industry these days. So we have been learning more about him. Now we find that his adventures were even clos We all know RLS from childhood days, especially the classic “Treasure Island”. We spend several months each year in New Zealand and have seen several documentaries about his later life in the South Sea Islands.

Living in the French Pyrenees we havealso become aware of his”Travels with a Donkey”, especially as we have friends who have followed his trail, which seems to be a bit of a tourist industry these days. So we have been learning more about him. Now we find that his adventures were even closer to my own. Last year I walked at the age of 70 from my home in the French Pyrenees to the house of my birth in Blackpool. This walk of 70 days is the subject of my own book “Vic’s Big Walk”. I read “Travels with a Donkey” to find that he also walked through France, even though his walk was a mere 12 days (and I did not have a revolver under my pillow). There are even parallels with our own life in the religious wars which took place in the area he covers (we live in the heart of “Cathar Country”. I was a bit disappointed with some of the prejudices of this 22-year old, but I suppose they were a sign of the times. For instance when he is clearly admiring the comely Clarisse, a waitress at table on one of his stops.

He waxes lyrical about “her great grey eyes, steeped in amorous languor”, but then goes on to say that “with training” her face “offered the promise of delicate sentiment. It seemed pitiful to see so good a model left to country admirers and a country way of thought. Beauty should at least have touched upon society”. What! But a very enjoyable book, nevertheless. Would that my own 70-day walk could become so fabled. And that the book of the walk will be read a century later. ...more Recommends it for: travelers & travel writers Rather than quote the whole book, here is my favorite passage: A very old shepherd, hobbling on a pair of sticks, and wearing a black cap of liberty, as if in honor to his nearness to the grave, directed me to the road for St. Germain de Calberte. There was something solemn in the isolation of this infirm and ancient creature. Where he dwelt, how he got upon this high ridge, or how he proposed to get down again, were more than I could fancy.

Not far off upon my right was the famous Plan de Fonte Rather than quote the whole book, here is my favorite passage: A very old shepherd, hobbling on a pair of sticks, and wearing a black cap of liberty, as if in honor to his nearness to the grave, directed me to the road for St. Germain de Calberte. There was something solemn in the isolation of this infirm and ancient creature. Where he dwelt, how he got upon this high ridge, or how he proposed to get down again, were more than I could fancy. Not far off upon my right was the famous Plan de Fonte Morte, where Poul with his Armenian sabre slashed down the Camisards of Seguier. This, methought, might be some Rip van Winkle of the war, who had lost his comrades...and wandered ever since upon the mountains...And while I was thus working on my fancy, I heard him hailing in broken tones, and saw him waving me to come back with one of his two sticks. I already had got some way past him; but, leaving Modestine once more, retraced my steps. Alas, it was a very commonplace affair.

The old gentleman had forgot to ask the pedlar what he sold, and wished to remedy this neglect. I told him sternly, "Nothing." "Nothing?" cried he. I repeated "Nothing," and made off. It's odd to think of, but perhaps I thus became as inexplicable to the old man as he had been to me. Aug 25, 2010 Cindie rated it it was amazing favorite passage: To make matters worse, we encountered another donkey, ranging at will upon the roadside; and this other donkey chanced to be a gentleman. He and Modestine met nickering for joy, and I had to separate the pair and beat down their young romance with a renewed and feverish bastinado. If the other donkey had had the heart of a male under his hide, he would have fallen upon me tooth and hoof; and this was kind of a consolation -- he was plainly unworthy of Modestine's affection. But favorite passage: To make matters worse, we encountered another donkey, ranging at will upon the roadside; and this other donkey chanced to be a gentleman.

He and Modestine met nickering for joy, and I had to separate the pair and beat down their young romance with a renewed and feverish bastinado. If the other donkey had had the heart of a male under his hide, he would have fallen upon me tooth and hoof; and this was kind of a consolation -- he was plainly unworthy of Modestine's affection. But the incident saddened me, as did everything that spoke of my donkey's sex. A humorous testament to the gentlemanly character of Robert Louis Stevenson. ...more Shelves: 19th-century , france , autobiography-memoir , travel As Robert Louis Stevenson travels with a donkey through the Cevennes, he reflects on the suppression of Protestantism in the region. The book would have been a nicer read if he had been pleasant to the donkey, but alas he believed in applying the stick rather than offering the carrot just as much as Louis XIV did to the Huguenots. May 29, 2015 Frumenty rated it it was ok Stevensen's journey takes place in the first years of the 3rd Republic, which was to survive from 1870 to 1940.

France was in a state of political ferment following the shock of defeat at Sedan, the loss of Alsace and Lorraine and the capture of the emperor Napoléon III. National humiliation spurred drastic political change. The starting point of Stevenson's journey, Le Monastier near Le Puy, is said to be characterised by, among other things, "unparalleled political dissension". Now I don't kno Stevensen's journey takes place in the first years of the 3rd Republic, which was to survive from 1870 to 1940. France was in a state of political ferment following the shock of defeat at Sedan, the loss of Alsace and Lorraine and the capture of the emperor Napoléon III. National humiliation spurred drastic political change. The starting point of Stevenson's journey, Le Monastier near Le Puy, is said to be characterised by, among other things, "unparalleled political dissension". Now I don't know a lot about this period, but I find it a little implausible that Le Monastier should be particularly remarkable in France at this time. This was just after the Paris Commune.

The monarchy was finished at last, and monarchists were in retreat. I think the dissension that Stevenson witnessed may have been more representative of France in general than he suspected. It seems a pity that he should have chosen to travel in such an out-of-the-way place at a time when there must have been so much happening that might have been of greater social interest. At the beginning of the book Stevenson acquires a tiny donkey, which he names Modestine. I was a little dismayed at his account of the thrashing and proddings he administers to hurry her up. Granted, he does it reluctantly, for he is convinced of the necessity of such treatment if Modestine is to be useful. His repeated jocular use of very conventional gender stereotypes with reference to Modestine is rather tedious to my modern sense. The journey across the Cevennes is short enough. He and Modestine sleep at inns, in the open and in a Trappist monastery.

The latter part of the journey is spent mostly among Protestants, who Stevenson finds generally more congenial than the Roman Catholics he has hitherto met; and he relates with some verve the history of a bloody Protestant armed rebellion that took place in the district about 160 years earlier. There is a good deal of well-meaning waffle about his religious views, which are mild, tolerant and of very little interest. His effusions about starry skies and scenery are equally conventional. It is in the nature of a travelogue, I suppose, to consist of a string of inconsequential incidents of which the author must make what he can. His meditations on incident and landscape and conversations may or may not make entertaining reading. Stevenson has no companion on his journey other than the donkey, so there is a dearth of entertaining dialogue. The book is mercifully short. ...more Shelves: 2010 , travel , ebook I read this as mainly a primer for Tim Moore's book following in Stevenson's footsteps and was pleasantly surprised by how readable and entertaining it is.

Also surprised to find out that he is mostly following a route that takes him through an area of a Protestant rebellion from 200 years before, which I had never heard of. He muses on the whole Protestant versus Catholic thing, which is actually still a hangup of some Scots today. The only negative was Stevenson's bad tempered reaction to uncoop I read this as mainly a primer for Tim Moore's book following in Stevenson's footsteps and was pleasantly surprised by how readable and entertaining it is. Also surprised to find out that he is mostly following a route that takes him through an area of a Protestant rebellion from 200 years before, which I had never heard of. He muses on the whole Protestant versus Catholic thing, which is actually still a hangup of some Scots today. The only negative was Stevenson's bad tempered reaction to uncooperative French peasants - why he would expect anything else is a mystery. Not because they are French or even peasants but why should anyone put themselves out for an importunate stranger. The book does tend to reinforce the stereotype that donkeys require cruel treatment (a metal tipped goad) to ensure any degree of cooperation - though he was suitably chagrined by this apparent necessity. Hopefully Tim Moore will address this.

Tip: it's freely available from as an an ebook so no excuses for not reading it. This inspires me to read to more Stevenson in the future. Shelves: other-nonfic , animal-stories I have sort of a love/hate relationship with old books that feature animals. The treatment of the animals often makes me wince, and I have to remind myself that while it isn't right it is just a reflection of the attitudes and beliefs at the time it was written. So, in this book, I felt very sorry for Modestine as she was beaten, poked and prodded along the journey. But then Stevenson also writes about how he does feel somewhat bad for his actions, and he does actually care for Modestine. The ve I have sort of a love/hate relationship with old books that feature animals. The treatment of the animals often makes me wince, and I have to remind myself that while it isn't right it is just a reflection of the attitudes and beliefs at the time it was written. So, in this book, I felt very sorry for Modestine as she was beaten, poked and prodded along the journey.

But then Stevenson also writes about how he does feel somewhat bad for his actions, and he does actually care for Modestine. The very end of the book was sweet in that regard. Aside from Modestine, this was an enjoyable book that Stevenson has written with a somewhat wry humor at times. It has bits of interesting history throughout, and certainly the descriptions of the land and the experience of travel and camping outdoors are beautiful. If it doesn't stir up your desire to travel (and not in a modern way with cars and planes and bustling cities) to hike through scenic country and sleep beneath the stars, I pity you. ...more Sep 07, 2012 Ru rated it really liked it A very sweet, early work from RLS. At first I absolutely cringed at some of the content of the story, with Modestine (the eponymous donkey) enduring her lashings, herself shutting her eyes in anticipation of being struck. But, I reminded myself that this is RLS as a young man in the 1870's, & soldiered on. I'm glad I did. RLS gives lush descriptions of his travels with Modestine as his somewhat reluctantly-accepted partner.

As brief as this book is, by the time the end comes about, you feel A very sweet, early work from RLS. At first I absolutely cringed at some of the content of the story, with Modestine (the eponymous donkey) enduring her lashings, herself shutting her eyes in anticipation of being struck. But, I reminded myself that this is RLS as a young man in the 1870's, & soldiered on. I'm glad I did. RLS gives lush descriptions of his travels with Modestine as his somewhat reluctantly-accepted partner. As brief as this book is, by the time the end comes about, you feel as though you just took the same trip the author did, & I know at least for myself, felt such a quick affection for Modestine. The end is so beautifully written, I felt very touched by it. This is undoubtedly not as popular as Stevenson's other works, which is a shame, because it's a great read and in a different vein of what makes him popular. ...more Mar 06, 2015 Philippe Malzieu rated it really liked it Small time in Florac. Time to read again this book.

With Modestine (the dunkey) He crossed this poor and austere area from the north catholic Gévaudan to the South Protestant Cevennes. He delivers to us very fine observation on people and country. Especially, his glance on inhabitant's opinion is very accute. It gives to his travel an initiatic dimension. But 135 years later, has the mentalities really changed. Not sure.The trauma of the Religion Wars is well always present. The character who co Small time in Florac. Time to read again this book. With Modestine (the dunkey) He crossed this poor and austere area from the north catholic Gévaudan to the South Protestant Cevennes. He delivers to us very fine observation on people and country. Especially, his glance on inhabitant's opinion is very accute. It gives to his travel an initiatic dimension. But 135 years later, has the mentalities really changed. Not sure.The trauma of the Religion Wars is well always present. The character who confidentially acknowledges to be catholic would undoubtedly make in the same way currently. Always with Stevenson, just published in France the diary of his second wife, Charmian.

It is also the log book of the « Snark » their boat during their travel in Oceania. I have order it. Charmian was the right equal of Stevenson. Great woman. ...more Shelves: non-fiction , history , biography Humorous and entertaining, “Travels with a Donkey in The Cevennes” is an interesting travel book. A vast departure from Robert Louis Stevenson’s other more well know work. After reading this book it felt like the time frame was longer than it was I think due to the overall descriptions of Protestant suppression in the region, there was a good deal of time devoted to it. I found the experience travelling with Stevenson during those days in the late 19th Century enlightening and highly entertainin Humorous and entertaining, “Travels with a Donkey in The Cevennes” is an interesting travel book. A vast departure from Robert Louis Stevenson’s other more well know work. After reading this book it felt like the time frame was longer than it was I think due to the overall descriptions of Protestant suppression in the region, there was a good deal of time devoted to it.

I found the experience travelling with Stevenson during those days in the late 19th Century enlightening and highly entertaining. The illustrations by Ardizzone worked very well for me and did a good job of deepening the experience with this book. Aug 04, 2009 Christine rated it liked it This is a light, short read that follows Stevenson's trek through the Cevennes. His trusty, humorous sidekick is his donkey, Modestine who accompanies him throughout the journey. RLS of course writes wonderfully which makes up for the lack of any real plot or significant goings on in this book. And what a joy it is to feel what adventure travel would have been like back then. It is a rare window back in time. Aug 24, 2013 Katrice rated it liked it · review of another edition Ok. In terms of travel narratives, have read better and more interesting. Actually had a hard time getting through of it, found it a bit of a slog. But in terms of descriptive language, my god, the pictures this man paints with his words. . . Stevenson talaga. So I can't totally dismiss this book. So. Right down the middle I guess.

Three stars. Oct 12, 2007 John rated it really liked it classic of travel literature, made me decide to drop everything and head to europe one summer in college and has influenced my philosophy of travel ever since, it's really not about the destination but about the process Jan 14, 2015 Julie Richards-fox rated it liked it Very sweet book & easy to read. Makes my mind wander, right along with Stevenson as he traverses the Cevennes meeting all types of characters. Highly poignant passages on the Protestants & Catholics living tolerably side by side towards the end of the book. Nov 24, 2009 Jrobertus rated it really liked it · review of another edition Stevenson spends about two weeks driving a stubborn donkey through east central France. This is a wry, often hilarious narrative, but also has a marvelous description of a way of life that is now gone. This book is a real jewel. Nov 18, 2016 Jeff Keehr rated it liked it I listened to the Librivox recording on this short work. I heard about the book some years ago but I don't recall how or where.

I have read very little by Stevenson, so I thought this travelogue might be fun. It is interesting in an ascetic way. The trip is pretty much eventless. Stevenson meets a few people on his journey. Perhaps the most interesting meeting is his brief stay with some monks. But for most of the trip, he is alone with his donkey Modestine. She is very difficult in the beginnin I listened to the Librivox recording on this short work. I heard about the book some years ago but I don't recall how or where. I have read very little by Stevenson, so I thought this travelogue might be fun. It is interesting in an ascetic way. The trip is pretty much eventless. Stevenson meets a few people on his journey. Perhaps the most interesting meeting is his brief stay with some monks. But for most of the trip, he is alone with his donkey Modestine. She is very difficult in the beginning and Stevenson has to beat her to get her to move. This is very hard on him because he hates cruelty to animals. By the time the trip is over, he has grown attached to the ass and sheds a tear when he has to sell her and return to normal life.

...more Oct 24, 2016 Trudy Pomerantz rated it it was amazing Brilliant book that made me wish that I could trek the same path the Stevenson did. Patrick Wallace (for Librivox) did a superb job reading it - I almost forgot that it was not Stevenson reading it himself. Shelves: pilgrimages I chose this book because it is about Robert Louis Stevenson's pilgrimage across southern France. I half expected a satire on the order of Don Quixote by Cervantes. Instead, this short book was part travelog and part commentary about the history of brutal conflict between Protestants and Catholics in the region and how they get at the time of his writing. His travel companion was a donkey that, while maddening slow and helpless, toward the end also appeared to be enjoying the trip. Their common e I chose this book because it is about Robert Louis Stevenson's pilgrimage across southern France. I half expected a satire on the order of Don Quixote by Cervantes. Instead, this short book was part travelog and part commentary about the history of brutal conflict between Protestants and Catholics in the region and how they get at the time of his writing.

His travel companion was a donkey that, while maddening slow and helpless, toward the end also appeared to be enjoying the trip. Their common experiences, while not shared verbally, seemed to bond them until Stevenson finally had to regretfully sell the beast at the end of the trip. This friend/burden relationship seemed to be a kind of metaphor for the relationship of the villagers of opposing beliefs. They kind of resolved to tolerate each other on a common journey. Reading English literature written in the late 1800's is refreshing as the grammar is spare and precise, the humor is dry yet loaded with purpose beyond just entertainment. Stevenson paints descriptions of the French countryside including the hills at sunset, the dry roads covered in chestnuts, the forests during the dead of night, that not only give the reader a clear picture of the scene, he also puts you in his position, triggering memories of similar experiences that evoke similar emotions. For a short while, you are Robert Louis Stevenson. Excellent reading. ...more Oct 18, 2015 Eleanor McLaren rated it it was amazing Fresh on the heels from the previous book I chose with its flashy cover, I deliberately set about choosing a book from the shelf with a more modest cover.

Another small volume, this time bearing a price tag of 2. It came from a charity shop, I am sure, possibly the Oxfam bookshop in Troon, but there is no other identifying mark on it. I remember choosing this one for the author alone. I knew many of his works, but had no recollection of ever having heard this title. It is Robert Louis Stevenson’s Fresh on the heels from the previous book I chose with its flashy cover, I deliberately set about choosing a book from the shelf with a more modest cover. Another small volume, this time bearing a price tag of £2. It came from a charity shop, I am sure, possibly the Oxfam bookshop in Troon, but there is no other identifying mark on it. I remember choosing this one for the author alone. I knew many of his works, but had no recollection of ever having heard this title. It is Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes.” What a treasure this is, it’s going straight back on the shelf afterwards and I expect I may well read it again. It seems as if it has been well-read already by its previous owner, the spine is supple.

The style is sparse with a dry wit. Easily read, short chapters and, in this edition, comfortably large print. But still I am amazed never to have heard of the title. Perhaps it has a cult following of which I am unaware. Googling some information about it, I see that Stevenson’s trip took place in 1878 and the book was published the following year. It is widely regarded as the first travel book ever written and therefore was groundbreaking its time. “For my part,” narrates Stevenson, “I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move; to feel the needs and hitches of our life more nearly.” The Cevennes is a mountainous area in Central France, terrain which was no doubt challenging to explore. Stevenson tackles it over twelve days accompanied by a donkey he called Modestine, who carried all the camping equipment and food for the trip. There is a recurring theme through the early chapter as he tries to coax Modestine – without much success – to move faster. He recounts conversations with the people he meets on his journey, people he walks with and those with whom he shares a meal or lodgings.

There are conversations about faith and Stevenson’s lack of a faith, of politics, of history. Clarisse, who serves him a meal one night, attracts his attention in particular and takes a page to describe in detail her attractive face, “her mouth had a curl, her nostril spoke of dainty pride” before finishing off rather acerbically “….her figure was unworthy of her face. Hers was a case for stays.” Poor Clarisse, recorded for posterity as having a body requiring a good corset. For other nights he camps out under the stars, and there is a particularly evocative description of one such night where he spends a night in a pine forest, capturing the freshness of a breeze, the openness of the countryside and his peace at being there: “A faint wind more like a moving coolness than a stream of air, passed down the glade from time to time; so that even in my great chamber the air was being renewed all night long. I thought with horror of the inn at Chasseradès and the congregated nightcaps; with horror of the nocturnal prowesses of clerks and students, of hot theatres and pass-keys and close room.

I have not enjoyed a more serene possession of myself, nor felt more independent of material aids. The outer world, from which we cower into our houses, seemed after all a gentle habitable place; and night after night a man’s bed, it seemed, was laid and waiting for him in the fields, where God keeps an open house.” It’s a delight of a book. I finished it wanting to read more Stevenson, wanting to know about the region and also with a notion to camp out under the stars. I commend it to you. Shelves: travel-and-place For me, it can be pretty good, but it's not great. When I read a memoir, I often feel an affection for the author/character. Then I tell myself, well you're reading their carefully edited self-presentation; of course you like them in the book. Well, I don't like Stevenson much here. He makes his trip sound almost like a stunt. "Travel for the sake of traveling", not for any destination might sound deep, but a lot of the time he just sounds flippantly uninterested in the people and creatures arou For me, it can be pretty good, but it's not great.

When I read a memoir, I often feel an affection for the author/character. Then I tell myself, well you're reading their carefully edited self-presentation; of course you like them in the book. Well, I don't like Stevenson much here. He makes his trip sound almost like a stunt. "Travel for the sake of traveling", not for any destination might sound deep, but a lot of the time he just sounds flippantly uninterested in the people and creatures around him. In the first parts of this short book, particularly, he mentions encounters that might be interesting, then says, effectively, so what?, and moves on. This got dull and alienated me. Though the title highlights the connection to his donkey, his attitude to her is largely ignorance and complaint. His openness about his indifference did not add any redeeming charm, for me. I would contrast this with Eothen , a somewhat similar book, in a different setting. Kinglake is really funny about his frequent self-centeredness. To continue the comparison: the journey here is more short & defined than in Eothen, so when things are, well, pedestrian, I had slightly less fear that the doldrums would go on and on.

But the high points, the interesting or wonderfully written episodes, are more numerous in Eothen, and the highs are much higher, too. Stevenson frequently finds everything everything similar to Scotland. This started to seem like a lack of imagination or experience. The violent episodes of the history of the Camisards were dramatic. the praises of Spanish chestnut trees, or the night sky, are nice. To me, it suffers from the classic problems of a structureless diary. It's just one thing after another, and a minority of them are interesting or beautiful. Here is one I did like, while noting that there was not enough such moments: "Just at the bridge of Langogne, as the long-promised rain was beginning to fall, a lassie of some seven or eight addressed me in the sacramental phrase, ‘D’où’st-ce-que vous venez?’ She did it with so high an air that she set me laughing; and this cut her to the quick.

She was evidently one who reckoned on respect, and stood looking after me in silent dudgeon, as I crossed the bridge and entered the county of Gévaudan." While that bit may work well enough in moving on quickly, it's still an example for me of that indifference, and skipping past an interesting moment, probably to describe in more detail another dull account of being lost and complaining about his animal servant. Stevenson, in general description, sounds like someone I would love, but I tend to be disappointed with his books. So perhaps I'll rate this lower than its average reader. I want to note that his _Essays of Travel_ contains a chapter cut from this book, 'A Mountain Town In France ". This stayed in one place and got engaged more, and I liked it more than much of this book. ...more Sep 19, 2016 C-shaw marked it as abandoned Shoo, I can't finish this book.

Mar 06, 2014 Chris rated it it was amazing I really enjoy travel books and this is the oldest I've read so far, first published in 1879 Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes chronicles a 12 day hiking journey taken by Robert Louis Stevenson when he was in his twenties. The book is brilliant and very easy to read despite its age. Stevenson had been sickly for much of his early life and craved adventure now he was well enough to travel. He took the trip on his own with nothing for company but a stubborn mule he purchased to carry his equipm I really enjoy travel books and this is the oldest I've read so far, first published in 1879 Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes chronicles a 12 day hiking journey taken by Robert Louis Stevenson when he was in his twenties. The book is brilliant and very easy to read despite its age. Stevenson had been sickly for much of his early life and craved adventure now he was well enough to travel. He took the trip on his own with nothing for company but a stubborn mule he purchased to carry his equipment.

The Cevennes region was very poor at that time and had seen a lot of religious upheaval in the past often resulting in violence. Because of his he went armed with a revolver, though thankfully he never had cause to use it. Stevenson writes with old world charm and honesty which I found refreshing. The simplicity of the book and the journey added to the appeal. The colourful characters he met were great to read about and there were some very funny moments. He paints a vivid picture of the rugged landscape and the conditions he lived in. Stevenson was obviously a fluent French speaker and conversed with the locals in their own language. As a result he would often write segments of conversation in French which, unfortunately, were not translated for the benefit of those who don't understand French. This is more a criticism of the publishers rather than Stevenson himself. This is a very minor criticism and it certainly doesn't reduce enjoyment of the book. ...more Jun 26, 2014 Jack Casey rated it really liked it This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Well, I thought it was one of the best books that I have read this year, and I have really enjoyed the old style of print on this copy of the venerable book that I have read and besides the fact that it tells of the great donkey, Modestine and all of his journeys with his companion, it tells of the story of companionship and the story of never giving up. The book that I have read from June 12, to June 26 was a slow entry, but it was great because, it told of such scenery of absolute pulchritude Well, I thought it was one of the best books that I have read this year, and I have really enjoyed the old style of print on this copy of the venerable book that I have read and besides the fact that it tells of the great donkey, Modestine and all of his journeys with his companion, it tells of the story of companionship and the story of never giving up.

The book that I have read from June 12, to June 26 was a slow entry, but it was great because, it told of such scenery of absolute pulchritude and beauty as well as of hills, and how the industrial revolution impacting that set enviornment at the time. It starts in a small village when the beautiful donkey, Modestine, and its owner pack up on a trip toward the venerable Cevennes of pulchritude. It will be a long trip ahead, as well as a grueling one and the two companions are prepared to survive in the harsh woodlands and forests as well as the invaders and all other forces of evil that will cause chagrin in both of their hearts if they dont take action. In fact, this story tells of the tall tales of survival and the tales of rescilience, for these characters. Will they survive, or will they die? That is the question that will be awnsered throughout this book. The story of survival and those ways of telling it are demonstrated in the timeless works of Robert Louis Stevenson. This is why so many people have enjoyed it and are willing to read that extra mark. Maybe it really is timeless.

...more Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes : Robert Louis Stevenson : 9781909612624 Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes Paperback US$9.94 US$9.95 You save US$0.01 Free delivery worldwide Add to basket Add to wishlist Description Robert Louis Stevenson was not only a gifted writer, he was also an indefatigable traveller. His thirst for adventure was formed by his boyhood visits to remote Scottish lighthouses, and he spent much of his life fleeing the rigours of cold climates and social orthodoxy. Along the way he canoed through Belgium and France, booked passage to and across America, and finally famously settled in Samoa in the South Seas. The walking trip that Stevenson describes in Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes (1879) was taken when the nascent author was still in his twenties and pining for a lost love. Accompanied by Modestine, the eponymous donkey he hired to carry his camping gear, the journey proved both challenging and charming.

The book is infused with all of the qualities that make Stevenson the most popular of writers: humour and humanity, poetry and perspicacity, ebullience and intelligence. Stanfords Travel Classics feature some of the finest historical travel writing in the English language, with authors hailing from both sides of the Atlantic. Every title has been reset in a contemporary typeface to create a series that every lover of fine travel literature will want to collect and keep. show more Product details 129 x 198 x 8mm | 118g Publication date Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes : Robert Louis Stevenson : 9781906780357 Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes Paperback Try AbeBooks Description ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON was not only a gifted writer, he was also an indefatigable traveller. His thirst for adventure was formed by his boyhood visits to remote Scottish lighthouses, and he spent much of his life fleeing the rigours of both cold climates and social orthodoxy. Along the way he canoed through Belgium and France, booked passage to and across America, and finally famously settled in Samoa in the South Seas.

The walking trip that Stevenson describes in Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes (1879) was taken when the nascent author was still in his twenties and pining for a lost love. Accompanied by Modestine, the eponymous donkey he hired to carry his camping gear, the journey proved both challenging and charming. The book is infused with all of the qualities that make Stevenson the most popular of writers: humour and humanity, poetry and perspicacity, ebullience and intelligence. And his timeless exhortation continues to inspire all true travellers: For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move - ABOUT STANFORDS TRAVEL CLASSICS Hailing from both sides of the Atlantic, the authors included are as diverse as Edith Wharton, Henry James, Ernest Shackleton and Alfred Russel Wallace.

Every title has been reset in a contemporary typeface, and has been printed to a high-quality production specification, to create a series that every lover of fine travel literature will want to collect and keep show more Product details 126 x 194 x 10mm | 99.79g Publication date Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes by Robert Louis Stevenson | Waterstones Synopsis Robert Louis Stevenson was not only a gifted writer, he was also an indefatigable traveller. His thirst for adventure was formed by his boyhood visits to remote Scottish lighthouses, and he spent much of his life fleeing the rigours of cold climates and social orthodoxy. Along the way he canoed through Belgium and France, booked passage to and across America, and finally famously settled in Samoa in the South Seas. The walking trip that Stevenson describes in Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes (1879) was taken when the nascent author was still in his twenties and pining for a lost love. Accompanied by Modestine, the eponymous donkey he hired to carry his camping gear, the journey proved both challenging and charming.

The book is infused with all of the qualities that make Stevenson the most popular of writers: humour and humanity, poetry and perspicacity, ebullience and intelligence. Stanfords Travel Classics feature some of the finest historical travel writing in the English language, with authors hailing from both sides of the Atlantic. Every title has been reset in a contemporary typeface to create a series that every lover of fine travel literature will want to collect and keep. Publisher: John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd ISBN: 9781909612624

Question: Name the donkey that accompanied Robert Louis Stevenson on his journey in the book Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes'.
Answer: MODESTINE